| Information | Review |
|---|---|
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Pierre Jacob
PLSC201 Expecting an A Anonymous 12/13/2025 |
This class was not as bad as other reviews suggest. Tests did take a lot of time studying and memorization, but that is just how some exams work. You have to memorize everything. This is not the first class in PLSC to make you memorize a lot. Dr.Jacob is a good lecturer and explains hard concepts. There have been a lot of adjustments this semester, and the course has improved as the class has gone on. He wants to work with students, but ultimately believes you are responsible for studying. He has provided review questions, a rough guideline for exams, and additional resources. This class will greatly improve by the next time it is taught due to him being a new professor. Labs need the most revision. The lab quizzes were more difficult than lecture exams. Labs in the beginning of the course were very confusing, because expectations were not set. I personally thought he was funny and enjoyed the course. |
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Pierre Jacob
PLSC206 Expecting a B+ Anonymous 12/08/2025 |
The lab is a bit all over the place. There's a long term experiment and mini experiments throughout the semester, along with quizzes. It's the professor's first semester teaching so that definitely is a factor in a lot of the confusion my classmates and I had. There's also a presentation assignment where you have to review a research article and present the information to the class. PLSC201+206 do require a bit of effort, but it's doable. |
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Pierre Jacob
PLSC201 Expecting a B+ Anonymous 12/08/2025 |
He's not bad. It's his first semester teaching and I've already seen growth. He cares about his students and wants them to do well. I will say, at the beginning there wasn't much structure but things have gotten better. He allows extensions and accommodates to your needs. You have to take 201 and 206 together so keep that in mind. Also, in 201 there's a couple quizzes but your grade is mostly determined by exams, which are in person. The course isn't hard and honestly, you probably could pass without ever showing up. Just review the slides and make some flash cards on Quizlet. |
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Pierre Jacob
PLSC201 Expecting a B+ Anonymous 11/03/2025 |
Avoid taking him. Very hands-off professor in the sense that he doesn't really care about your performance or learning (even though he says he does, he doesn't actually want to teach you, just for you to know everything already). Writes poorly worded exam questions sometimes then takes points off for not reading his mind (ex. question says to describe, but he actually wanted you to describe AND interpret). Exams have random topic distribution (ex. exam 2 had nothing on photosynthesis and respiration, but like 4 questions on seeds) and he doesn't think it's his job to give a study guide (recommends AI). Every exam is cumulative and your only grades will be your exams (maybe some busy work too if you're lucky). Content isn't really that hard, you just have to know everything in detail because you don't know what he will put on the exam, so the shear amount of information to memorize makes his class difficult, especially since each one is cumulative. You will need to spend at least 10-15 hours preparing for each exam. Revise often and early. He asks for feedback then ignores it. Unorganized. Lab exams were basically lecture exams part 2. Poorly planned semester-long experiments (couldn't measure plants with a ruler for sake of having a controlled experiment, but then you just squirt a random amount of water on the plant. Made us use a software he didn't care to explain well and didn't post any follow up information on how to use it. Reluctantly provides a rubric and honestly seemed confused on why students wanted one). A bit of a short temper. Generally just doesn't think its his job to help you in any way besides reading off slides and making you feel stupid during his office hours. Horrible professor, but okay guy. Very focused on his research. Maybe he will be better next semester since this was his first time, but I would never take a class with him again. Worst experience I've had with anyone in the PLSA department. |
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Pierre Jacob
PLSC201 Expecting a C- Anonymous 10/29/2025 |
he’s a terrible teacher but a passionate biologist. i genuinely regret taking his class. |